
Butte Beat: Checking Out Montana’s “Best” Bookstore
BUTTE, MT - I'm going to do this a little bit differently this week.

If you're one of the 50 people that keep up with my Butte Beats, then I have a question for you: what's wrong with you? Just kidding, obviously something is very wrong with me if I keep writing them as if to myself. Seriously though, taking a look at my back catalogue of Butte Beats, you'll notice that they all share something in common: they're all highlighting a local restaurant, when I initially started these to highlight a local business, no matter the type. I've decided today is the day where that trend ends.
What did it take for me to break the chain? Well, it started off like most of these journeys: I was on the hunt for the "best" of whatever it is. That's how I got to trying the "best" burger, the "best" bagel, or the "best" alcoholic beverage. By the way, that last one? The answer is "all of them."
So that's how I ended up at the humble and perfectly-located Second Edition Books, nestled in Uptown Butte on S Montana St across from Butte Beat favorite, Headframe Spirits. Yes, that means my two favorite hobbies, drinking Dirty Girls and reading, come together in a very convenient and intoxicating way. But is Second Edition Books really the "best" bookstore in Montana? What would make for the "best" bookstore in a state?
Well, I must say, though I'm not entirely sure it is the "best" bookstore in the state, it is definitely my favorite that I've been to. To be honest, I might be a little biased because the first time I cruised inside the impressively-loaded shop, I beamed straight back to the massive fiction section and found exactly what I was looking for: a first-edition hardcover print of James Clavell's Whirlwind, the fifth book in the acclaimed "Asian Saga."
Yes, I could've bought it online. But I believe in supporting local businesses, especially bookstores, so it was a dream come true. But my love for Second Edition doesn't stop there. The shop features a hefty "Montana" section, featuring nonfiction and fiction works all about our state, including its native authors, while also showcasing a detailed "Butte" section. In fact, any genre that you're looking for they have, including an awesome selection of rare books. The store itself has been family owned and operated since its opening in 1986 and is claimed to possess over 30,000 books. I even found a book for my niece in the children's section, so, score!
All in all, Second Edition Books may very well be the best bookstore in Montana, and is my favorite to shop in due to its ease and affordability. No, I wasn't paid to write this. Yes, I would take a check. Just kidding: this is all for the love of reading. And the love of being able to take my newly-purchased book over to Headframe for a Dirty Girl after.
Check out the other Butte Beats here.
Exclusive Photo Tour of Butte's Spooky Old Hospital
Gallery Credit: Devon Brosnan
The 5 Highest-Paying Remote Jobs for Montanans
Gallery Credit: Devon Brosnan
The Best New House Listings For Sale In Montana, Vol. 11
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